The Annapurna Trail

Todd: So Jonathan, every time I see you, you are coming and going on a new trip, a new adventure. What's your next trip?

Jonathan: I'm about to fly to Nepal to go trekking. I head out to stay at the airport tonight and I'm flying tomorrow morning.

Todd: So, what are you going to do in Nepal? Are you going to go to Katmandu?

Jonathan: I'll be flying into Katmandu and then traveling to a smaller town to begin a trek around the Annapurna Himalayas

Todd: The Annapurna? You're gonna climb the Himalaya's?

Jonathan: Well, it's not climbing in the sense of needing mountaineering experience or special equipment. It's like a very vigorous hike, but it does take an average of 22 or 23 days.

Todd: You're going to go camping for 23 days?

Jonathan: No, you don't need to camp. There are small teahouses, and simple backpacker-type accommodation all along the way. So you can stay there. You don't need to bring a lot of equipment with you.

Todd: That's great. You just walk from teahouse to teahouse?

Jonathan: Yes. There's always people along the paths, so you don't really need a guide or anything. You can't really get lost. You're always meeting other people. And if you decide you get tired a little bit earlier, there are lots of places along the way that you can stay.

Todd: What exactly is a teahouse like?

Jonathan: A teahouse is a very simple accommodation. Maybe the room's have wooden walls that are very thin. Maybe the beds are not very comfortable, but people stop and drink tea along the way. It's just very simple accommodation.

Todd: So, if you want to sleep, it's just just like a little bunk bed?

Jonathan: Usually, you can have a private room which would be vey small. Perhaps the size of your closet or a little larger with a bed and it may only cost about a dollar a night.

Todd: That's pretty cheap.

Jonathan: Yes, it's very cheap to trek in a country like Nepal.

Todd: Well, like how much does it cost to go trekking for 23 days?

Jonathan: I think it will probably cost me a total of about 300 dollars US equivalent. The most expensive thing is the flight to get there in the first place.

Todd: That sound fantastic.